Wellington - Hospital Mascot

Wellington, our hospital mascot, spends most of his day watching over our staff lounge - he's very attentive, especially when it's lunch time!

Treatment area

Wellington keeps watch over the treatment area -watch out, he's lethal!

 

Treatment area

Our treatment area - the dental sink and treatment table are in an L-shape for convenience.

 

Pharmacy

Our pharmacy and eye-wash station

 

Exam room

One-eyed Willy likes how well he matches the wall in this exam room!

Exam room

Edna is confused - she's in the cat exam room! 

 

Exam room

Our large dog exam room - the table lifts up to the wall to allow for maximum floor space.

 

Lobby

Khaleesi (who is available for adoption) is trying to steal all of the PupCakes catnip toys for herself!

Reception Area

Our reception area (Peanut Butter is making sure everything is in top shape).

 

Holley Robbins

Holley joined CPH in 2011.  Her picture and full bio are coming soon.

Genevieve McGillick

Genevieve has been with CPH since 2010.  Her full bio is coming soon.

Dr. Karyn Leibovitz

Dr. Leibovitz joined the CPH team in August of 2011.  Her picture and full bio are coming soon.

Robin Samek

Robin joined the CPH staff in 2012. Originally hailing from Maryland, she left the suburbs a couple of years ago to attend the University of the Arts. She has loved animals for as long as she can remember in spite of only being allowed to pet cats and dogs with one finger as to avoid a sneezing fit as a child. Her animals now include a cat, ferret, cockatiel and box turtle. In her spare time Robin likes to sing, act, knit and hoop dance!

Alicia Godfrey

Alicia has been with CPH since 2010.  Alicia moved to Philadelphia in 2008 with the intentions of continuing her career in art, but once she began working for a pet-sitting company and took in her dog Enid, her fate was sealed.  She is currently working towards a degree in Veterinary Technology from San Juan College.  In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her dog and two cats (Buffy and Pam Beesly), watching music videos by Swedish pop superstar Robyn, biking around the city, and eating dessert. 

Candice Anderson

Candice has been with CPH since the summer of 2011.  Her full bio is coming soon.

Yvonne Valenza

While having a bachelors degree in fine arts from Kutztown University, Yvonne has always been an animal lover and enjoys learning more about their care. She joined the CPH team in 2010 after working in a non-profit organization for four years, mentoring college students from the University of the Arts. This was also after bringing her own cats in for an exam, having been inspired by Dr. Majeska's attentiveness to pets and the hospital's efforts to be as green as possible. Yvonne lives in South Philadelphia with her husband Scott, their two cats Autumn and Tobias, and a handful of fish named after M*A*S*H characters. In her spare time she continues to paint, occasionally participate in art shows, and make necklaces to sell locally.

Melissa Sloan

Melissa, a South Philly native, and avid animal lover, especially her pekingese Baileys, joined the CPH staff in the summer of 2011.  Aside from being a huge Phillies fan, she also enjoys cooking, traveling, summers down the shore, and spending time with her friends & family.

Mary Beth Boland

MB joined CPH at the end of 2011.  Her complete bio is coming soon.

Joanna DiStefano

Jo has been with CPH since 2010.  Her complete bio is coming soon.

Cali Ross

Cali has been a part of CPH since early 2010.  Her complete bio is coming soon.

Carrie Magrann

Carrie joined the CPH staff in August of 2011. Carrie graduated in 2007 with a degree in biology from Dartmouth where she also played 4 years of varsity field hockey.  After graduation, she moved to Hawaii where she worked as a veterinary technician, bartender, and chemistry tutor.  Over the years, Carrie has gained experience training dolphins, penguins, sea lions, chimpanzees, and dogs.  Her passion is studying the human-animal bond and positive reinforcement training. Carrie now lives in South Jersey with her pitbull, Laka.

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy content

In Case of Emergency

In a true emergency, where time is of the essence, please use the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, at 3800 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Please call ahead so that they can prepare for your arrival, at 215.746.8911.

For first aid care, or emergencies that are less time sensitive, please use the Animal Emergency Service of South Jersey (operating in the same building as Mt. Laurel Animal Hospital), located at 220 Moorestown/Mt. Laurel Rd, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Please call ahead so that they can prepare for your arrival, at 856.727.1332.

Other highly recommended emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals in the area include:

• Veterinary Referral Center (Malvern, PA)
• CARES (Langhorne, PA)
• VSEC (Langhorne, PA)

Dr. Margaret Fordham

A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Fordham completed her Special Species residency at the University of Pennsylvania in 2008.  She remained at UPenn to teach following her residency until 2010, and now works at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in Oakhurst, NJ.  Dr. Fordham is the Avian Consultant for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah (as seen in Dog Town), and speaks nationally and internationally on the subject of exotic veterinary medicine.  She brings her experience to CPH on Wednesdays, and provides the staff with a little variation from the typical patient.  

Josh Weber

Married to Dr. Majeska, Josh has found himself somewhat removed from his initial career in real estate. However, with a background in business and management, he is finding that veterinary medicine is a rewarding way to use his knowledge and experience. His favorite comment, said with a smile, is “she does the medicine, I do everything else”. While the partnership is a bit more equal than that, Josh is an excellent hospital manager

Dr. Corinne Majeska

Leading CPH in providing the highest quality veterinary care is its founder, Dr. Cori Majeska. Dr. Majeska has been practicing veterinary medicine for nearly a decade, including her training at one of the country’s leading veterinary teaching hospitals, the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. She has served in the Chief of Staff position, managing all aspects of running Philadelphia-region veterinary hospitals, since 2003. She earned her undergraduate degree at Penn State University and her master’s degree at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Her VMD is from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Majeska and her husband, Joshua Weber, are pet-lovers themselves with four cats and chihuahua. When not tending to her four-legged patients, Dr. Majeska enjoys golf, knitting, and yoga.

Alyssa Mages

Alyssa has lived in many different regions from the Florida Keys to Vancouver, BC, and has worked with a wide variety of animals, from dogs to dolphins. She currently lives in South Philly with 2 cats (Bread and Butter), her biologist hubby Paul, and their precocious 4 year old, Claire. Alyssa has been a veterinary technician for the past 7 years, and is 3/4 of the way to obtaining her CVT, with aspirations to enter veterinary school when complete. She holds an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. In her spare time Lyss loves to swim (synchronized to be exact), hike/camp, and enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities with her family. She is also an animal artist who does custom paintings of all species of animals.

Marisa Hinch

Marisa has been an avid animal lover her entire life. She has been a full time dog groomer for over 10 years and while she was one of the original staff members, she has been full time at CPH since the summer of 2011. She is currently living in Fishtown with her dogs Roxie, Annie and Betty (pictured), and three cats Maxwell, Dexter, and Minx.

Sara Daub

Sara was a suburban girl from Delaware with a degree in Animal Science from University of Delaware. She moved to South Philly in 2007 with her cat, Noodle. She is a big fan of the Flyers and Phillies. She is now loving city life, as well as travelling, reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Internal Parasites and Zoonosis

Tapeworms:

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that reside in the small intestine of vertebrates.

Dried tapeworms are typically noticed as ‘rice grains’ around the anus of the pet, in the fecal material, or in bedding that the pet sleeps in.  When they initially come out of the pet, the tapeworms can be seen to actively move around.

Most pets are clinically unaffected by tapeworms, unless the burden is large.  Weight loss can be seen, as well as ‘scooting’ from the peri-anal irritation of the worm segments.

Tapeworms are transmitted to pets by ingestion of fleas or lice; when they are digested the tapeworm is transmitted to the gi tract of the pet.

Treatment requires prescription medication that is available in oral and injectable form.

The most important prevention is flea control.

Whipworms:

Whipworms are small whip-like shaped worms that live in the large intestine and cecum of dogs (commonly) and cats (rarely).

Whipworms can cause hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhea and anemia in cases of severe infestation.

Infection occurs when whipworm eggs are ingested in contaminated food or water.

Diagnosis of whipworm infection is based on fecal samples, and multiple samples may be necessary as female whipworms do not produce eggs every day, nor do they produce large amounts of eggs.

Treatment of whipworm infection requires treatment with prescription medications.

Once whipworm eggs are in the soil it is basically impossible to eliminate them - the eggs are resistant to freezing and can live for years.  Replacement of the infected soil with clean soil, gravel and pavement is the only way to be sure that the eggs are gone.

Prevention includes keeping pets away from contaminated areas and routine fecal exams as well as the use of monthly heartworm preventatives that also kill whipworms.

Roundworms:

Roundworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and can grow up to 15cm long. 

Infection can occur in 4 ways:

1. Consuming infective eggs from soil in the environment (generally through normal grooming).
2. Nursing from an infected mother (most common transmission in kittens).
3. Consuming a prey animal that is carrying developing worms.
4. During embryonic development when an infected mother is pregnant (most common transmission in dogs, this does not occur in cats).

Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well. Sometimes the worms themselves are vomited up which can be alarming as they can be quite large. The worms consume the host’s food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical “pot-bellied” appearance. Very heavy infections can lead to pneumonia as the worms migrate and, if there are enough worms, the intestine can actually become obstructed.

Detections of roundworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults.

Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens.  Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Hookworms:

Hookworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and live off of blood and tissue from the small intestine.  They often lead to serious illness and death, with as few as 50 worms being potentially fatal to a puppy.

Hookworms are transmitted via nursing, ingestion of larvae in the environment, or the larvae penetrating a pet’s skin.

Detections of hookworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults.

Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens.  Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

Sentinel:

Sentinel is an oral medication that prevents roundworm and hookworm infection, as well as whipworms.  Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection, and is made for use in dogs

Revolution:

Revolution is a topical medication that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, where it’s active ingredient selamectin prevents roundworm and hookworm infection in cats.  Apply every month to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Revolution also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection in both cats and dogs.

Zoonosis:

Zoonosis is defined as a disease that is passed from animals to humans.  Rabies is one of the more well-known zoonotic diseases, but roundworms and hookworms are both potentially zoonotic parasites and are far more likely for you or your children to come into contact.

Roundworms can cause a disease called Visceral Larva Migrans, where the worms migrate through the body. Organs commonly affected are the eye, brain, liver, and lung, where infections can cause permanent visual, neurologic, or other tissue damage.  Transmission occurs through ingestion of worms in contaminated soil, usually by children who often put dirty hands into their mouths.

Fleas

Because of the unfortunately large population of stray and feral cats in Philadelphia, fleas can thrive all year round. For that reason it is important that you are consistent with your flea control program. Even animals that are strictly indoor pets can acquire fleas. You may not see fleas on your animal, but if your pet is scratching, has scabs or if you see small black specs (flea dirt/feces), those are indications of fleas. It is also important to know which products are labeled for your pet; some products are extremely toxic to cats.

Several diseases are related to fleas. Fleas can transmit tapeworms – small rice like worms found in stool or around the anus. Flea bites may result in an allergic response in some animals (Flea Allergy Dermatitis – FAD), and in extreme cases, fleas can cause anemia, usually in young or weak animals. Tapeworms are acquired by the animal ingesting the infected flea. Usually Tapeworms are seen only in dogs and cats but small children can get Tapeworms too by accidentally ingesting a flea or flea parts. Up to 40% of the canine population is sensitive to flea bites. FAD should be considered a progressive disease, with each episode resulting in an increasingly severe reaction in the allergic pet. A well-planned flea control strategy is essential to maintaining the health and comfort of both the pet and the family.

Fleas are hardy insects which can live from six months to one year. Most of their adult life is spent on their host animal. Fleas go through a complete life cycle which consists of four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. When an adult flea emerges from their cocoon they must feed on a blood meal within one week to survive. However, a completely developed adult may live for several months to one year without feeding. Because of their thick hair coat, warm body temperature and less frequent bathing, small mammals make an ideal host for adult fleas. The female flea must have a blood meal before laying eggs and she will lay her eggs on the pet. Usually the eggs fall off the pet onto the carpet, bedding or wherever the pet lies down. The flea eggs hatch into larvae which are very sensitive to light and heat and consequently seek out hiding places, such as cracks in the floor, between carpet fibers, under furniture and under organic material in the kennel. Larvae eat adult flea feces and other organic material. Larvae evolve into pupae and can remain in that state for up to one year until they hatch into adult fleas.

Fleas tend to seek dark, cool places that are protected from rain. Moderate temperature with a relative high humidity (70%) make fleas mature faster, while less ideal conditions tend to slow the growth process.

Because adult fleas are not discriminating about their hosts, all of the pets and humans in an infested home are vulnerable. If it is to be successful, a flea control program must involve the entire household at the same time, and all the animals in contact with the affected pet should also be treated. If you have a severe flea infestation you may want to consider a pest control company.

There are many alternatives in flea control. Insecticides are the most common form of treatment for adult flea infestations and are necessary to eradicate fleas from the animal. Other methods such as insect growth regulators work to eliminate fleas in the egg and larval stages and may be useful as an environmental treatment (Nylor™, Archer™). Nematodes (microscopic worms) are a natural enemy of fleas that kill them in the larva and pupa states (Biosafe™, Exhibit™, Vector TL™). Boric acid is a safe non-toxic method of destroying fleas in the larva state (Fleabusters™). Flea combs can be purchased at your local pet store and mechanical control of fleas may work well for you.

Feeding pet’s garlic, brewer’s yeast or B vitamins has not been shown to be effective against fleas. Also, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea leaves and citronella have not been shown to provide effective control. In fact, overdosing of garlic or onion can be irritating or toxic to pets.

When treating your home and garden for flea infestation, remember to follow these tips:

• Vacuum the carpets thoroughly every other day to remove as many of the immature fleas as possible. A vacuum with a mechanical carpet brush is the best as it can open up the carpet fiber to get to the larvae. Don’t forget about under the furniture and all the places that your pet rests. Dispose of the vacuum bag after cleaning is complete. • Wash bedding and (if possible) the areas where your pet lies weekly in HOT (130ºF) water and detergent.
• Keep grass short and remove any organic debris from the yard and kennel area. Don’t store sand or gravel in your yard.
• Block off access to crawl spaces under the house or porch and treat these areas with insecticides. Also remember to treat any cool areas in which your pet may lie. • Remember that insecticides do not penetrate carpet fibers effectively so pay special attention to this area.
• Use yard and kennel sprays around the house. Be aware of product label and use accordingly especially if you have small children, birds or other small animals.

Be persistent. If you feel a product is not working, stop to analyze where and how you are applying it before switching to another brand. Consult with your veterinarian or pest control agent to verify you are utilizing the product properly.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

Vectra 3D: Vectra 3D is an insecticide which kills adult fleas on contact - they do not need to bite to die. You may see actual fleas more frequently when Vectra 3D is used, as the fleas are trying to escape.  A happy flea is a hidden flea - when you see them jumping they are on their way out.  Apply every month on dogs along entire spine. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to or after applying. Vectra 3D is toxic to cats, and should never be applied to a cat.

Revolution: Revolution is an insecticide which kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching. Apply every month on cats to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to or after applying. Revolution also prevents heartworm disease, roundworm and hookworm infection.

Sentinel: Sentinel prevents successful reproduction of the flea by weakening the egg membrane, resulting in an unviable egg. Sentinel does not kill adult fleas. Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents heartworm infection, and is made for use in dogs.

Heartworm Disease

Once considered a parasite of southern climates, the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is now recognized as a major, global pest affecting dogs, cats, and some wildlife. From its discovery in dogs more than a century ago and the documentation in cats in the 1920s, researchers have devised diagnostic tests, preventives and treatments, but the disease has spread to all 50 states.

Heartworm infestation is dangerous; untreated dogs will die and treated dogs go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed and expelled from their bodies.  Cats will also die from infection, although they often have different clinical signs from dogs and are much more difficult to diagnose.

Heartworm prevention is simple. In dogs, a blood sample is taken to determine whether the parasite is present, and for both dogs and cats it involves regular dosing with preventive medication.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

Sentinel: Sentinel is an oral medication that prevents heartworm disease by killing heartworm larvae before they mature to stages that cause disease.  Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents flea infestation, and is made for use in dogs

Revolution: Revolution is a topical medication that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, where it’s active ingredient selamectin prevents heartworm by attacking the larval stages.  Apply every month to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Revolution also prevents flea infestation, and roundworm and hookworm infection in cats.

Ticks

Ticks are a common parasite that feed on dogs. Tick species are found worldwide and may infest dogs in very large numbers, especially during certain times of the year. These blood-sucking parasites are often found in tall grass, where they will attach themselves to a passing animal. Ticks require physical contact to infest your pet, and harpoon-like "teeth" allow them to anchor firmly in place while sucking blood from their animal host.

Ticks also act as vectors of disease. Ticks can carry and spread the organisms that can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, several types of ehrlichiosis, and other potentially deadly diseases. A single tick can carry several disease organisms at the same time.

Risk from biting ticks are increased if:

• You and your pet spend time camping, hiking, or hunting in wooded or undeveloped areas.
• You have seen a tick, or previously removed one from your dog.
• Your dog is exposed to wildlife that are frequent tick hosts (deer, rodents, raccoons, etc.).
• Your yard has dense shrubs, tall grass, or leaf litter which serve as common tick habitats.
• You take your dog to wooded areas or grassy meadows.
• Your pet is not on a tick control product.

When looking to prevent ticks from harming your pets, remember to follow these tips:

• Yard Work - You can remove tick habitats from your yard by keeping tall grass clipped, removing any mulch or leaf litter and trimming bushes.
• Avoid Tall Grass Or Brush - Keep your pet far away from these tick breeding grounds.
• Examine Your Pet - Examine your pet thoroughly every day for ticks. Although ticks prefer attaching to your pet's head, neck and paws, you should still try to examine as much of your pet's body as possible.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

K9 Advantix: K9 Advantix is an insecticide which repels and kills Deer ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks before they can attach and possibly transmit the organisms that cause disease.

Apply every month on dogs above the shoulder blades.  Apply every three weeks if you swim or bathe your animal frequently or if you have a heavy infestation. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. If you have a large dog apply half on the neck area and half on the hind quarters – above the tail. K9 Advantix is toxic to cats, and should never be applied to a cat.

Frontline Plus: Frontline Plus is an insecticide which kills ticks in all blood-feeding stages of their development. For cats apply behind the head every month.  Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Frontline will also kill adult fleas, larvae and eggs.

Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia is a virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells in kittens, usually in the gastrointestinal tract lining, causing ulceration and sloughing of the lining.  This leads to bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, malnutrition, anemia, and is often fatal.  A decreased white blood cell count further deteriorates the kitten’s system by compromising it’s immune system. The disease is very similar to parvovirus in puppies, but is not the same and can not be transmitted to canines.

Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected cats body fluids, feces or fleas. It can also be spread through contact with bedding or food dishes, and can live in the environment for long periods of time. 

If a pregnant cat is exposed to panleukopenia virus, her litter will often be affected with varying degrees of cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), which interferes with the kittens’ motor skills for life.  Vaccination of pregnant cats is not recommended because some vaccines can also cause CH in litters.

Vaccination of kittens follows a similar protocol as in puppies, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age.  Adult vaccination is recommended at one year of age and every 3 years thereafter.

Treatment of panleukopenia includes requires hospitalization in most cases - the mortality rate without treatment can be as high as 90%.  Supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, gi protectants and antibiotic coverage to prevent secondary bacterial infection is generally required in all cases.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a prevalent and deadly disease spread from dog to dog through direct or indirect contact with feces.  The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body, which leads to a severe bloody diarrhea and a dangerously low white blood cell count.  Other clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia and lethargy.  The cardiovascular form (seen when parvo is contracted in utero or within the first 8 weeks of life) can cause respiratory or heart failure in young dogs and is generally causes death rapidly.

The most commonly affected by parvovirus are young puppies, who are most susceptible to the disease and often unvaccinated. Even puppies that are vaccinated can still be at risk, as maternal antibodies can eliminate the vaccine protection from the puppy’s system before the next vaccination is due.  Maternal antibodies are the antibodies present in the mother's milk during the first 24 hours after the puppy's birth. The age at which puppies can effectively be immunized is proportional to the titer of the mother and the effectiveness of transfer of maternal antibody within those first 24 hours. High levels of maternal antibodies present in the puppies' bloodstream will block the effectiveness of a vaccine. When the maternal antibodies drop to a low enough level in the puppy, immunization by a commercial vaccine will work. The complicating factor is that there is a period of time from several days to several weeks in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide protection against the disease, but too high to allow the vaccine to work. This is the time when despite being vaccinated, a puppy can still contract parvovirus. The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every puppy in every litter.

While vaccination cannot guarantee 100% coverage, we do our best to limit the potential for contraction of the disease through vaccination.  The recommended protocol is to vaccinate puppies against parvovirus beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, and revaccinating every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age. A booster is given at one year of age and every 2-3 years thereafter, depending on exposure. 

Parvovirus is a very difficult virus to kill, and can live in the environment and on materials such as clothing and bedding for months.  The only household cleaning agent that can kill parvovirus is bleach, although there are equally-effective, more environmentally friendly options available.

Philadelphia is a high risk area for parvovirus infection - it is strongly recommended that puppies be kept in a very limited location where other potentially unvaccinated dogs have not been and cannot go, until they have received their final vaccination at 4 months of age.  While it is safe to be with other vaccinated dogs and puppies, the location (such as a park or even the sidewalk) can still harbor parvovirus.

Treatment of parvovirus requires hospitalization in most cases - the mortality rate without treatment can be as high as 90%.  Supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, gi protectants and antibiotic coverage to prevent secondary bacterial infection is generally required in all cases.  Some patients require further support including plasma or blood transfusions.  With early detection and aggressive therapy, survival rates can be as high as 80-95%.

Text Message Updates

When your pet is under our care at CPH, for surgery, drop-off appointment or  hospitalization, we often give updates as to how they are doing.  Many clients are unable to take phone calls during work hours, or would prefer a less invasive method of receiving their information.

Text messages to cell phones are commonplace,  and allow us to send along information without interrupting a client’s day.  For example, a quick text stating that ‘Kitty is waking up well from surgery’ allows a client to be aware of the fact that their pet has had her procedure done and is waking up well without needing to be paged to the phone or interrupted in a meeting.

Picture messages can also be attached with the text, if the client’s phone accepts them.

Phone call updates will still be available for those who prefer them, and any discussions will of course be done by phone rather than by text.

Text messaging is still occasionally hit or miss between some networks, and occasionally a delay in the message will occur - there is no taboo against calling the hospital to check on your pet if you haven’t heard from us, our staff is always happy to give an update in real time as well.

Email Reminders

At CPH we try to limit our impact on the environment as much as possible.  A typical veterinary hospital sends out postcard reminders to let clients know that it is time for their pets to be seen, which can lead to a significant amount of paper.

Email reminders allows us to eliminate the use of a large amount of that paper, which in turn decreases our environmental impact.

Don’t worry, for those of you who are not inclined to use email we will still send out postcard reminders - on recycled paper. 

Services

• Wellness care and preventative medicine
• Dental Health
• Diagnostics
• Surgery - soft tissue and orthopedic
• Drop-off appointments
• Email/Text message reminders and updates
• Grooming
• Training

Hours and Location

 

Mon:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tues:

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thurs:

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

 

Hospital Tour

Our tour is coming soon! Stay tuned!

Training

***We have currently suspended our training classes, as we seek out a trainer that can offer the best training for your pups.  In the meantime, we do recommend that you check out the classes by Opportunity Barks (http://www.opbarks.com/bark/index.cfm), held at the Central Bark Dog Daycare facility in South Philly.*** 

 

There are two levels of classes usually offered at CPH: Puppy Education and Basic Obedience.

Puppy Education (3 to 6 months of age)

This is a 5 week course guaranteed to get you off to a great start with your new puppy!  Whether you are learning to live with a dog for the first time or already have dog experience, you will learn priceless information that will stay with you throughout your dogs life.  In this course you will not only learn the rules of housebreaking, how to handle a jumpy, nippy puppy and begin basic obedience training, but most importantly you will develop an understanding of how your dog thinks.  The communication between you and your puppy will be clear, which will lead to a trusting, loving, and balanced relationship.

Basic Obedience (6 months and up)

Learning basic obedience is more than the positions of sit, down, stay, and heel - it is the backbone to communication with your dog.  When communicating with anyone it is important to know their language as well as to teach them yours.  In this 5 week course you will not only learn how to teach your dog the command positions and how to focus on you, but you will also learn how to read your dogs body language and get a better understanding of your dogs behavior.  When you and your dog ‘meet in the middle’ with communication, you will have a better understanding of each other which will lead to trusting, healthy, and balanced relationship.

Grooming

CPH offers bathing and grooming for dogs of all shapes and sizes.  Grooming appointments are currently available all week - Wednesdays are bath and brush only, however.  Our groomer takes the time to discuss what type of cut you would like for your dog when you drop-off, or by phone if that is not possible.  After your first visit, our computerized records allow her to recall the exact cut and repeat it or note any changes that you would like.

Email/Text message reminders and updates

Email Reminders

At CPH we try to limit our impact on the environment as much as possible.  A typical veterinary hospital sends out postcard reminders to let clients know that it is time for their pets to be seen, which can lead to a significant amount of paper.

Email reminders allows us to eliminate the use of a large amount of that paper, which in turn decreases our environmental impact.

Don’t worry, for those of you who are not inclined to use email we will still send out postcard reminders - on recycled paper. 

Text Message Updates

When your pet is under our care at CPH, for surgery, drop-off appointment or  hospitalization, we often give updates as to how they are doing.  Many clients are unable to take phone calls during work hours, or would prefer a less invasive method of receiving their information.

Text messages to cell phones are commonplace,  and allow us to send along information without interrupting a client’s day.  For example, a quick text stating that ‘Kitty is waking up well from surgery’ allows a client to be aware of the fact that their pet has had her procedure done and is waking up well without needing to be paged to the phone or interrupted in a meeting.

Picture messages can also be attached with the text, if the client’s phone accepts them.

Phone call updates will still be available for those who prefer them, and any discussions will of course be done by phone rather than by text.

Text messaging is still occasionally hit or miss between some networks, and occasionally a delay in the message will occur - there is no taboo against calling the hospital to check on your pet if you haven’t heard from us, our staff is always happy to give an update in real time as well.

Drop-off Appointments

It is sometimes difficult for a pet owner to make an appointment during regular office hours.  CPH offers later appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but these slots fill up quickly.  In order to best serve our clients, CPH offers drop-off services.

A drop-off is when the pet is brought to the hospital, usually early in the day, and is examined at some point during the day by the doctor. 

A pet that is dropped off for an illness will have various diagnostics performed as needed (a diagnostic plan will be presented at the time of drop-off), and the owner will be called by the doctor when a diagnosis and/or treatment plan has been identified. 

A healthy drop-off appointment for vaccines will be examined and vaccinated, and the owner will be called when the pet is ready to be picked up.

Drop-off appointments are just one of the ways that we try to make things more convenient for our clients.

Surgery — Soft Tissue and Orthopedic

Soft-Tissue Surgery

Soft-tissue surgery encompasses all aspects of surgery with the exception of orthopedics.

The most commonly performed soft-tissue surgeries in small animal veterinary medicine are sterilization procedures, more commonly known as spay (female) and neuter (male).  Mass removals and declaws make up the majority of other routine procedures.

Other surgical procedures would be too numerous to list, but one of the specialized procedures that CPH offer is a perineal urethrostomy (PU) which can decrease the risk of urinary obstruction in male cats that are prone to that.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery includes procedures such as cruciate repair, femoral head ostectomy (FHO), and patellar luxation repair, all which can be performed at CPH by Dr. Lockhart. 

Other orthopedic procedures that may require a specialist include comminuted fracture repair, total hip replacement and intervertebral disk rupture repair.

Diagnostic Testing

Pets can’t tell us where they hurt.  A thorough physical examination by a veterinarian can gain a lot of information about your pet, but often it is necessary to do further testing to diagnose the underlying cause for your pets illness or discomfort.

X-rays, or radiography, can show evidence of cardiac (heart) disease, pulmonary (lung) disease, foreign objects in the stomach and intestine, abdominal masses, bone fractures and dislocations...the list goes on.  X-rays are limited in some areas, and interpretation can be difficult.  CPH is able to email our x-rays to board certified veterinary radiologists for a second opinion, often receiving results within hours of being sent.

Bloodwork - the most commonly run ‘bloodwork’ are a complete blood count (CBC) and a chemistry panel (chemscreen), both of which are able to be run on-site as needed.  Other more specific blood tests are often necessary, which are sent to an off-site laboratory; these results are usually back within 24 hours, although that varies depending on the test.  Pre-operative bloodwork is required to assure your pet does not have any obvious reason to avoid anesthesia.  Annual geriatric screenings are also recommended, along with a urinalysis.

Urinalysis - evaluation of your pets urine is often vital to diagnosing or confirming a disease process.  While it seems obvious that you would need to have a urine sample to diagnose a urinary tract infection, urine can also help clarify diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure.  A urinalysis is recommended for all geriatric pets, along with annual bloodwork.

Urine culture - indicated with suspicion of a urinary tract infection, to identify the bacteria, quantify the amount of bacteria, and identify what antibiotics are indicated for treatment.

Fecal exam - fecal material can harbor many internal parasites, some of which can be passed onto human members of your family.  Examination of fecal samples can identify the need for additional deworming for your pet, and can identify a cause if your pet is showing signs of gastrointestinal upset.

Culture, Cytology and Biopsy - often samples of tissue or material need to be examined more closely.  Ear infections can be treated much more effectively when the underlying cause is known, and ear cytology can be performed in-house to identify that cause.  A culture of ear debris may be necessary to diagnose a resistant strain of bacteria and alter treatment accordingly.  Fine needle aspirates (cells removed through a needle) of masses, as well as biopsies (actual pieces of tissue) are sent to an outside laboratory for pathologists to evaluate.

There are many other diagnostic tools available, and recommendations will vary based upon the individual needs of your pet.

Dental Health

Dental disease occurs in varying degrees in every pet.  It begins with a buildup of bacteria in your pet’s mouth, which combines with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum and causes plaque formulations.  As the bacteria grow in the plaque and calcium salts are deposited, that plaque then turns to tartar.

The bacteria and their by-products that are in plaque act on periodontal tissues, resulting in destruction directly, as well as inciting an inflammatory response from the pet’s immune system.

Periodontal disease, if left untreated, affects the tissues that support the teeth, eventually leading to oral pain, tooth loss and systemic disease.

The bacteria that builds up in a mouth severely affected by periodontal disease can seed the bloodstream and damage other organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys.

Warning signs of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression.

Broken teeth are a common issue in dogs, while painful resorptive lesions are a leading cause of oral pain in cats.

If your pet is found to have dental disease, recommended treatment may include a dental cleaning under general anesthesia.  Your pets teeth will be scaled to remove plaque and tartar and polished to provide a smooth surface that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. 

Tooth extraction may also be necessary in some cases of dental disease, for example if the root of the tooth is no longer healthy or if there is a fracture or a resorptive lesion present.  This is also done under general anesthesia, and with appropriate nerve blocks and pain management.  It is considerably less painful to have a diseased tooth extracted than to allow it to remain.

Prevention of dental disease can be started at home - brushing your pets teeth with animal specific enzymatic toothpaste on a regular basis can help prevent the build-up of tartar.  Bi-annual veterinary check-ups which include dental examinations are also recommended.

About Companion Pet Hospital

Companion Pet Hospital (CPH) was founded in 2009 by Dr. Cori Majeska and is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality pet care.

A New Approach

CPH facilities are located in Dr. Majeska’s own neighborhood and were built using the most environmentally advanced and friendly materials and architectural processes. This ecologically-minded approach includes a “paperless” practice, the use of environmentally-friendly building materials, recycling of all scrap materials and will eventually mean a “green roof” – one of only a handful so far in the Philadelphia region – for CPH.

A Higher Standard of Care

CPH will offer its patients a premium level of service and medical care, including digital X-Rays, in-house lab work, onsite cardiovascular and blood pressure monitoring and the highest quality anesthesia products and practices. These onsite capabilities enable CPH to more quickly and accurately diagnose patients and, ultimately, provide better treatment for your pet.

Doctors and Staff

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Environmental Concerns

The impact on our environment, our ‘carbon footprint’, is a necessary concern. Companion Pet Hospital has tried to do it’s part to limit it’s impact during construction, and will continue to work to keep that impact small during operation.

Sustainable Construction

Green Roof - Numerous benefits can result from the adoption of green roof technologies. Besides the obvious aesthetic and psychological benefits of being surrounded by garden-like settings, common ecological and economic benefits include the recovery of green space, moderation of the urban heat island effect, improved storm water management, water and air purification, and a reduction in energy consumption. The mitigation of storm water runoff is considered by many to be the primary benefit because of the prevalence of impervious surfaces in urban areas. The rapid runoff from roof surfaces can result in flooding, increased erosion, and may result in raw sewage that is discharged directly into our rivers. The larger amount of runoff also results in a greater quantity of water that must be treated before it is potable. A major benefit of green roofs is their ability to absorb storm water and release it slowly over a period of several hours. Green roof systems have been shown to retain 60-100% of the storm water they receive. In addition, green roofs have a longer life-span than standard roofs because they are protected from ultraviolet radiation and the extreme fluctuations in temperature that cause roof membranes to deteriorate.

Living wall - Living walls or plant walls are vertical arrangements of plants that naturally remove toxins and unhealthy contaminants from the air that we breathe. Our two story plant wall will not only improve the air quality at CPH, but will also bring a slice of nature into our indoor urban environment.

Rubber floors made from recycled tire - aside from obvious benefits of using recycled material, it provides a more comfortable, and joint-friendly, working environment for employees.

Low/No VOC paints - indoor air quality is one of the top 5 leading health risks according to the EPA; exposure to VOC's in paint can trigger asthma attacks, eye irritation and respiratory problems, nausea and dizziness among other symptoms. Prolonged exposure has been linked to kidney and liver disease and even cancer.

Recycled/Reused/Reclaimed construction materials - reclaimed steel beams, reclaimed and recycled wood and wood beams, recycled sheetrock/drywall, recycled concrete

‘Green’ Operation

• Paperless medical records - reduces the need for paper and it’s subsequent paper waste
• Dyson hand dryers - up to 80% less electricity, reduces costs and waste: When compared to paper towels, the Airblade hand dryer offers operating cost savings of nearly 98%.
• Re-usable towels for cleaning - reduces paper waste
• We recycle all paper, plastic and glass.
• Zoned HVAC - increases energy efficiency and lowers energy usage

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can not only affect your pets, but can affect you as well.  Prevention from infection and infestation by these common parasites has been the target of much research, and many products are available at this time.  CPH carries a selection of these products, including:

• Revolution for cats (heartworm, fleas and internal parasites)
• Advantix for dogs only (fleas and ticks)
• Sentinel for dogs only (heartworm, fleas and internal parasites)
• Capstar for dogs and cats (adult fleas)

Fleas

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Ticks

Ticks are a common parasite that feed on dogs. Tick species are found worldwide and may infest dogs in very large numbers, especially during certain times of the year. These blood-sucking parasites are often found in tall grass, where they will attach themselves to a passing animal. Ticks require physical contact to infest your pet, and harpoon-like "teeth" allow them to anchor firmly in place while sucking blood from their animal host. Ticks also act as vectors of disease. Ticks can carry and spread the organisms that can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, several types of ehrlichiosis, and other potentially deadly diseases. A single tick can carry several disease organisms at the same time. Risk from biting ticks is increased if:

• You and your pet spend time camping, hiking, or hunting in wooded or undeveloped areas.
• You have seen a tick, or previously removed one from your dog.
• Your dog is exposed to wildlife that are frequent tick hosts (deer, rodents, raccoons, etc.).
• Your yard has dense shrubs, tall grass, or leaf litter which serve as common tick habitats.
• You take your dog to wooded areas or grassy meadows.
• Your pet is not on a tick control product.

When looking to prevent ticks from harming your pets, remember to follow these tips:

• Yard Work - You can remove tick habitats from your yard by keeping tall grass clipped, removing any mulch or leaf litter and trimming bushes.
• Avoid Tall Grass Or Brush - Keep your pet far away from these tick breeding grounds.
• Examine Your Pet - Examine your pet thoroughly every day for ticks. Although ticks prefer attaching to your pet's head, neck and paws, you should still try to examine as much of your pet's body as possible.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you: K9 Advantix: K9 Advantix is an insecticide which repels and kills Deer ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks before they can attach and possibly transmit the organisms that cause disease. Apply every month on dogs above shoulder blades. Apply every three weeks if you swim or bathe your animal frequently or if you have a heavy infestation. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. If you have a large dog apply half on neck area and half on hind quarters – above the tail. K9 Advantix is toxic to cats, and should never be applied to a cat. Frontline Plus: Frontline Plus is an insecticide which kills ticks in all blood-feeding stages of their development. For cats apply behind head every month. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Frontline will also kill adult fleas, larvae and eggs.

Heartworm Disease

Once considered a parasite of southern climates, the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is now recognized as a major, global pest affecting dogs, cats, and some wildlife. From its discovery in dogs more than a century ago and the documentation in cats in the 1920s, researchers have devised diagnostic tests, preventives and treatments, but the disease has spread to all 50 states. Heartworm infestation is dangerous; untreated dogs die and treated dogs go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed and expelled from their bodies. Cats will also die from infection, although they often have different clinical signs from dogs and are much more difficult to diagnose. Heartworm prevention is simple. In dogs, a blood sample is taken to determine whether the parasite is present, and for both dogs and cats it involves regular dosing with preventive medication. Some of our veterinary recommended products for you: Sentinel: Sentinel is an oral medication that prevents heartworm disease by killing heartworm larvae before they mature to stages that cause disease. Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents flea infestation, and is made for use in dogs Revolution: Revolution is a topical medication that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, where it’s active ingredient selamectin prevents heartworm by attacking the larval stages. Apply every month to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal two day prior or after applying. Revolution also prevents flea infestation, and roundworm and hookworm infection in cats.

Internal Parasites and Zoonosis

Roundworms: Roundworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and can grow up to 15cm long. Infection can occur in 4 ways:

1. Consuming infective eggs from soil in the environment (generally through normal grooming).
2. Nursing from an infected mother (most common transmission in kittens).
3. Consuming a prey animal that is carrying developing worms.
4. During embryonic development when an infected mother is pregnant (most common transmission in dogs, this does not occur in cats).

Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well. Sometimes the worms themselves are vomited up which can be alarming as they can be quite large. The worms consume the host’s food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical “pot-bellied” appearance. Very heavy infections can lead to pneumonia as the worms migrate and, if there are enough worms, the intestine can actually become obstructed. Detections of roundworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults. Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens. Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Hookworms: Hookworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and live off of blood and tissue from the small intestine. They often lead to serious illness and death, with as few as 50 worms being potentially fatal to a puppy. Hookworms are transmitted via nursing, ingestion of larvae in the environment, or the larvae penetrating a pet’s skin. Detections of roundworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults. Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens. Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

Sentinel: Sentinel is an oral medication that prevents roundworm and hookworm infection, as well as whipworms. Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection, and is made for use in dogs

Revolution: Revolution is a topical medication that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, where it’s active ingredient selamectin prevents roundworm and hookworm infection in cats. Apply every month to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Revolution also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection.

Zoonosis: Zoonosis is defined as a disease that is passed from animals to humans. Rabies is one of the more well-known zoonotic diseases, but roundworms and hookworms are both potentially zoonotic parasites and are far more likely for you or your children to come into contact. Roundworms can cause a disease called Visceral Larva Migrans, where the worms migrate through the body. Organs commonly affected are the eye, brain, liver, and lung, where infections can cause permanent visual, neurologic, or other tissue damage. Transmission occurs through ingestion of worms in contaminated soil, usually by children who often put dirty hands into their mouths. Hookworms can be transmitted from ingestion of infective larvae, as with roundworms, or via direct penetration of the skin, which causes Cutaneous Larva Migrans. The penetrative larvae typically cause progressive, intensely itchy linear lesions, although they can also penetrate into deeper tissues and mimic Visceral Larva Migrans. Prevention of these zoonosis is relatively easy - basic hygiene is essential, including washing your hands and teaching your children to wash their hands after playing with pets, playing outdoors, and before eating. You can also reduce the risk of infection by keeping your family’s and pet’s indoor and outdoor environments clean by removing fecal material daily and cover sandboxes when not in use.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are key in preventing many life-threatening illnesses.  For example, parvovirus, an often fatal virus in puppies, is easily prevented with an appropriately timed vaccination protocol.  Panleukopenia is equally as devastating and preventable in kittens.  The vaccine protocol that is appropriate for your pet will be determined during your health exam, as some pets have higher risk for exposure than others.  All kittens and puppies should receive serial vaccination from two to four months of age, every 3 weeks, to allow protection while their immune systems develop the ability to provide appropriate immunity for a longer duration. 

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a prevalent and deadly disease spread from dog to dog through direct or indirect contact with feces. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body, which leads to a severe bloody diarrhea and a dangerously low white blood cell count. Other clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. The cardiovascular form (seen when parvo is contracted in utero or within the first 8 weeks of life) can cause respiratory or heart failure in young dogs and is generally causes death rapidly. The most commonly affected by parvovirus are young puppies, who are most susceptible to the disease and often unvaccinated. Even puppies that are vaccinated can still be at risk, as maternal antibodies can eliminate the vaccine protection from the puppy’s system before the next vaccination is due. Maternal antibodies are the antibodies present in the mother's milk during the first 24 hours after the puppy's birth. The age at which puppies can effectively be immunized is proportional to the titer of the mother and the effectiveness of transfer of maternal antibody within those first 24 hours. High levels of maternal antibodies present in the puppies' bloodstream will block the effectiveness of a vaccine. When the maternal antibodies drop to a low enough level in the puppy, immunization by a commercial vaccine will work. The complicating factor is that there is a period of time from several days to several weeks in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide protection against the disease, but too high to allow the vaccine to work. This is the time when despite being vaccinated, a puppy can still contract parvovirus. The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every puppy in every litter. While vaccination cannot guarantee 100% coverage, we do our best to limit the potential for contraction of the disease through vaccination. The recommended protocol is to vaccinate puppies against parvovirus beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, and revaccinating every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age. A booster is given at one year of age and every 2-3 years thereafter, depending on exposure. Parvovirus is a very difficult virus to kill, and can live in the environment and on materials such as clothing and bedding for months. The only household cleaning agent that can kill parvovirus is bleach, although there are equally-effective, more environmentally friendly options available. Philadelphia is a high risk area for parvovirus infection - it is strongly recommended that puppies be kept in a very limited location where other potentially unvaccinated dogs have not been and cannot go, until they have received their final vaccination at 4 months of age. While it is safe to be with other vaccinated dogs and puppies, the location (such as a park or even the sidewalk) can still harbor parvovirus. Treatment of parvovirus requires hospitalization in most cases - the mortality rate without treatment can be as high as 90%. Supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, gi protectants and antibiotic coverage to prevent secondary bacterial infection is generally required in all cases. Some patients require further support including plasma or blood transfusions. With early detection and aggressive therapy, survival rates can be as high as 80-95%.

Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia is a virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells in kittens, usually in the gastrointestinal tract lining, causing ulceration and sloughing of the lining. This leads to bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, malnutrition, anemia, and is often fatal. A decreased white blood cell count further deteriorates the kitten’s system by compromising it’s immune system. The disease is very similar to parvovirus in puppies, but is not the same and can not be transmitted to canines. Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected cats body fluids, feces or fleas. It can also be spread through contact with bedding or food dishes, and can live in the environment for long periods of time. If a pregnant cat is exposed to panleukopenia virus, her litter will often be affected with varying degrees of cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), which interferes with the kittens’ motor skills for life. Vaccination of pregnant cats is not recommended because some vaccines can also cause CH in litters. Vaccination of kittens follows a similar protocol as in puppies, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult vaccination is recommended at one year of age and every 3 years thereafter. Treatment of panleukopenia includes requires hospitalization in most cases - the mortality rate without treatment can be as high as 90%. Supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, gi protectants and antibiotic coverage to prevent secondary bacterial infection is generally required in all cases.

Wellness Care and Preventative Medicine

Annual Health Exams

Your pet’s health is very important to us. Prevention is the key to a healthy pet. Preventative medicine includes vaccination, parasite control (flea/tick/heartworm/internal parasites), and early detection. Finding conditions before they become serious problems is the basis behind annual exams, and can keep your pet healthy for longer with appropriate treatment. Exams give a baseline of the pet’s health standards and allow the doctor and client to set protocols based on that particular pet. An exam is a time when the vaccine protocol, senior pet health care, behavior and nutrition might be discussed, depending on your pet’s needs. As your pet ages, normal aging conditions may occur that you may not be aware of - these can be diagnosed early through routine laboratory exams, and as a result can be easily and inexpensively maintained before they become serious and more costly.

Vaccination

Vaccinations are key in preventing many life-threatening illnesses. For example, parvovirus, an often fatal virus in puppies, is easily prevented with an appropriately timed vaccination protocol. Panleukopenia is equally as devastating and preventable in kittens. The vaccine protocol that is appropriate for your pet will be determined during your health exam, as some pets have higher risk for exposure than others. All kittens and puppies should receive serial vaccination from two to four months of age, every 3 weeks, to allow protection while their immune systems develop the ability to provide appropriate immunity for a longer duration.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can not only affect your pets, but can affect you as well. Prevention from infection and infestation by these common parasites has been the target of much research, and many products are available at this time. CPH carries a selection of these products, including:

• Revolution for cats (heartworm, fleas and internal parasites)
• Advantix for dogs only (fleas and ticks)
• Sentinel for dogs only (heartworm, fleas and internal parasites)
• Capstar for dogs and cats (adult fleas)

Annual Health Exams

Your pet’s health is very important to us. Prevention is the key to a healthy pet.  Preventative medicine includes vaccination, parasite control (flea/tick/heartworm/internal parasites), and early detection.  Finding conditions before they become serious problems is the basis behind annual exams, and can keep your pet healthy for longer with appropriate treatment.  Exams give a baseline of the pet’s health standards and allow the doctor and client to set protocols based on that particular pet. An exam is a time when the vaccine protocol, senior pet health care, behavior and nutrition might be discussed, depending on your pet’s needs. As your pet ages, normal aging conditions may occur that you may not be aware of - these can be diagnosed early through routine laboratory exams, and as a result  can be easily and inexpensively maintained before they become serious and more costly.

Example

Companion Pet Hospital (CPH) was founded in 2007 by Dr. Cori Majeska and is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality pet care. Currently under construction in South Philadelphia, CPH will be opening its doors to patients in Spring 2009.

A New Approach

CPH facilities are located in Dr. Majeska’s own neighborhood and are being built using the most environmentally advanced and friendly materials and architectural processes. This ecologically-minded approach includes a “paperless” practice, the use of environmentally-friendly building materials, recycling of all scrap materials and will mean a grass-covered “green roof” – one of only a handful so far in the Philadelphia region – for CPH.

A Higher Standard of Care

CPH will offer its patients a premium level of service and medical care, including digital X-Rays, in-house lab work, onsite cardiovascular and blood pressure monitoring and the highest quality anesthesia products and practices. These onsite capabilities enable CPH to more quickly and accurately diagnose patients and, ultimately, provide better treatment for your pet.